Premier League’s best attacking side will be put to the test against the league’s best defensive setup when Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield.
Defending champions Manchester City will attempt to overcome their uninspiring midweek champions league display against Paris St Germain when they play away to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side. Pep will also be looking to end Liverpool’s unbeaten record today.
With quality and poise in both teams, the match-up promises to be exciting fixture between the two title favourites and Premier League’s last two title winners, and before the battle begins on the pitch, who wins the fight in a combined XI?
In goal, it’s different to differentiate between both keepers, Alisson Becker and Ederson Moraes are sweeper keepers. Both Brazilians, world class players, great on the ball, comfortable with playing out from the back.
Although Alisson starts for Brazil over Ederson, it is the Manchester City shot stopper that makes our choice between the sticks.
Jurgen Klopp will could miss having Trent Alexander-Arnold for this fixture due adductor muscle injury in training.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson at The Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Martin Rickett
His superiority in crossing into the box, and his attacking ability makes him a clear favourite to pick up the spot and make a lot of Fantasy mangers team.
With the 22-years-old out injured, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker makes our combined XI.
Walker has grown from harsh tackles and the occasional liability to one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players, and despite Alexander-Arnold’s brilliance on the ball, Walker has just about edged him in the pecking order for Gareth Southgate.
His blistering pace is difficult for many to get a hold of, even himself sometimes, but he offers that speed in attack and as a defensive cover up.
Ruben Dias has been impressive partnering Aymeric Laporte in Pep’s near-impenetrable defence. The Portugal international and PFA Player of the Year influence at Manchester City’s backline was immediately noticed, as he’s turned them into the formidable team they’ve become, getting praised for his exploits from his own coach and opposition sides as well.
Without a doubt, Virgil Van Dijk completes the partnership for the heart of the defence. Liverpool suffered while the dutchman was injured last season, since his return, they have looked ever so solid and composed at the back. Apart from being a world class player in the Liverpool squad, he offers leadership to the backline both for club and for country.
Manchester City's Kyle Walker at The Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Zac Goodwin
Another easy pick here must be Joao Cancelo. Although Andy Robertson is one of the best left backs in the league, Joao Cancelo just about edges past the flying Scotsman. Cancelo naturally play as a right back but since switching to the other side of the wing, he has made that position his own, offering defensive solidity and a decent attacking threat with his pace down the flank.
Fabinho makes the spot as the defensive midfielder in this fixture. The Brazilian played a makeshift role as a center back last season in Van Dijk’s absence, but since moving back to his rightful place, he has reminded fans why he is one of the very best defensive midfielders in the league.
Manchester City's Ruben Dias celebrates at Stamford Bridge, London
Adam Davy
In another fiercely contested role, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, teammate Thiago Alcantara, and Manchester City’s Ikay Gundogan all have a shout for the role, but our pick goes to a player who has largely been overlooked during his stay at the Premier League.
City’s Bernardo Silva came to the Premier League with a lot of expectations to be the next David Silva, controlling games from the middle of the park. The Portugal winger/central midfielder however failed to live up to expectation and was at the verge of leaving the Etihad stadium during the summer transfer window. He has since then grown to become one of Pep’s trusted players, reminiscent of the form that made Manchester City pay £43.5 million for his services back in 2017.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk at Anfield, Liverpool
Peter Byrne
One of the most creative midfielders in the world, Kevin De Bruyne without a doubt makes our XI. Since joining City in 2015, the Belgian has been involved in 107 assists and 68 goals in 268 appearances, an impressive stat in every sense of the word.
One of the most captained players on the fantasy premier League, Mohammed Salah makes our list for the right wing. The Egyptian forward has been impressive down the flanks, scoring goals for fun at this point. It’s still surprising that many pundits called him a two-season wonder. Now in his fourth season with the Reds, he has delivered consistency, scoring at least 19 league goals in a season.
Manchester City's Joao Cancelo celebrates scoring at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Martin Rickett
Mohamed Salah has also scored in each of his last six appearances for Liverpool in all competitions; the first time a player has netted in six in a row for the club since April 2018, when he himself scored in seven consecutive games.
On the other side of the wing, it has been largely contested with £100million man Jack Grealish, Ferran Torres and Sadio Mane, but it is the Senegalese that makes our list. Mane has been an economic winger on and off the ball, providing service for his teammates and now finding his goal-scoring form as well, his experience especially in games like this gives him the edge past City’s duo.
Liverpool's Fabinho celebrates scoring at Elland Road, Leeds.
Mike Egerton
Up front we’re sticking with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus. Although he hasn’t lived up to expectations as a striker for Manchester City, the Brazilian has proven a threat to opponents drifting through the wing, dribbling past defenders and supporting his strike partners.
The Brazilian netted the winner a 1-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend, taking his tally to three goals and three assists this campaign
Bernado Silva, Manchester City
Martin Rickett
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Barrington Coombs
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah waves to fans at Anfield, Liverpool.
Peter Byrne
Liverpool's Sadio Mane at Anfield, Liverpool.
Nick Potts
Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Martin Rickett
